Sunlight Jr. | Rotten Tomatoes

Sunlight Jr.

Released Nov 15, 2013

1 hr. 30 min.

Drama

List

64%

36 Reviews

Tomatometer

32%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Financial strain, an unplanned pregnancy and an abusive ex threaten the stability of a poor couple's (Naomi Watts, Matt Dillon) relationship.

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Critics Consensus

It doesn't offer much in the way of uplift, but Sunlight Jr.'s grim storyline is offset by Laurie Collyer's empathetic screenplay and strong performances from Naomi Watts and Matt Dillon.

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Audience Member

When i read the logline i was hopeful because it sounded like something with depth; a couple on hard times expecting their first child. When I saw that Matt Dillon was in it I knew it was going to be good. I got more excited when i saw J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.) did the soundtrack and the backdrop of a setting in Florida also sounded promising. Matt Dillon and Naomi Watts did the best they could with the overall " miss" of the story that could have been more than just one big downer. The soundtrack falls flat... Mostly just meaningless guitar noodling that didnt convey any type of emotion that could have drawn the viewers in.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

Audience Member

It’s a very apt portrayal of the people stuck in generational poverty, their lives and choices. It is empathetic, heartbreaking yet consoling all at once.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/08/19

Full Review

Audience Member

1.29.19 NF w/Sh & J

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Not great, sad that it is realistic

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/19/18

Full Review

roger g

I like Naomi Watts and Matt Dillon somewhat, but, this film does not portray, in the least, their acting ability. Really didn't like it.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Another independent art house film where Naomi Watts plays a clerk working in a convenience store. She supports her husband Matt Dillon who is an invalid in a wheelchair. A sad, poignant and somewhat pathetic story about how they struggle through their difficulties.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/22/23

Full Review

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Laurie Collyer

Director

Naomi Watts

Melissa

Matt Dillon

Richie

Norman Reedus

Justin

Tess Harper

Kathleen

Antoni Corone

Edwin

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Susan Wloszczyna

RogerEbert.com

If Sunlight Jr. does anything, it is to shine a light on the fact that the American dream is dormant notion for far too many.

Rated: 2.5/4

Nov 15, 2013

Full Review

Sara Stewart

New York Post

Collyer paints a sobering and important picture of the way many of us live now.

Rated: 3/4

Nov 14, 2013

Full Review

Stephen Holden

New York Times

Despite the intensity of their performances, Ms. Watts and Mr. Dillon are only fleetingly convincing as these desperate young Americans trying to maintain a foothold.

Nov 14, 2013

Full Review

Allen Almachar

The MacGuffin

The acting is without a doubt fantastic, but [the film] is so heavy, so solemn, and so discouraging.

Rated: B-

Jul 28, 2020

Full Review

Nicholas Bell

IONCINEMA.com

The highest praise here should be reserved for Collyer, once again proving she's adept at capturing a believable portrait of people living day by day through rough times and desperate moments.

Aug 29, 2019

Full Review

Amie Simon

Three Imaginary Girls

... obviously not going to be on anyone's "feel good" list-but it is a really great film. It's gritty and depressing and devoid of hope, but Watts and Dillon nail it.

Mar 2, 2019

Full Review

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Synopsis

Financial strain, an unplanned pregnancy and an abusive ex threaten the stability of a poor couple's (Naomi Watts, Matt Dillon) relationship.

Director: Laurie Collyer
Screenwriter: Laurie Collyer
Distributor: Samuel Goldwyn Company
Production Co: Original Media
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 15, 2013, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 8, 2015